Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a press-in style rear wheel bearing on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L engine, requiring hub pressing equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle hub nut × 1 — 90179-32033 or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Check specific model year requirement
• Brake drum or rotor hardware (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen (but do not remove) the staked axle nut using chisel to unfold staked portion - this requires significant force
4. Raise and support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified rear jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel
6. Verify replacement bearing matches original specification and check for any TSBs related to bearing replacement for this model year

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum or disc assembly
   If equipped with drum brakes, remove the drum by pulling straight off the hub. If equipped with rear disc brakes, remove the caliper mounting bolts, secure caliper aside with wire (do not hang by brake hose), then remove the rotor. Mark brake hardware orientation for reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and carefully withdraw the sensor from the knuckle. Keep sensor away from metal debris and magnetic fields.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle hub nut
   With the axle nut already loosened during preparation, completely remove the axle nut. If nut was staked, ensure all staking material is cleared from axle threads. Discard the old nut - a new nut must be used during reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove hub retaining bolts and extract hub
   From the backside of the knuckle, remove the four hub retaining bolts. Carefully pull the hub assembly away from the knuckle. If hub is tight, use a slide hammer with appropriate adapter. Do not pry or hammer directly on hub face. The bearing inner race may remain on the hub or stay in the knuckle.
   ⚠Do not damage the knuckle bearing bore surface. Scoring or nicks will cause premature bearing failure.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old bearing from knuckle
   With the hub removed, inspect the bearing position in the knuckle. Using a hydraulic press with appropriate bearing race adapters, press the old bearing out of the knuckle bore. Apply force evenly around the outer race only. If bearing outer race separates, use a bearing race puller or punch to remove remaining race sections. Clean the knuckle bore thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for damage.
   ⚠Press force must be applied to the outer bearing race only. Pressing on inner race or rolling elements will damage the knuckle.
6. 6

   Remove bearing inner race from hub (if attached)
   If the bearing inner race remained attached to the hub, use a bearing separator and hydraulic press to remove it. Position the bearing separator behind the inner race and press the hub out of the race. Inspect hub surface for scoring or damage. Clean hub mating surface with brake cleaner and wire brush.
7. 7

   Inspect all components
   Thoroughly inspect the knuckle bearing bore for scoring, cracks, or damage. Check hub for any cracks, excessive wear on the bearing seat, or damaged studs. Inspect ABS tone ring (if integrated into hub) for damage. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install new bearing into knuckle
   Place the new bearing squarely into the knuckle bore, ensuring correct orientation (sealed side typically faces outward). Using the hydraulic press with a bearing race driver that contacts only the outer race, press the bearing into the knuckle until it seats fully against the knuckle shoulder. Apply pressure evenly and steadily. Verify bearing is fully seated and sits flush.
   ⚠️Never press on the inner race when installing the bearing into the knuckle. This will destroy the bearing immediately.
9. 9

   Install hub into new bearing
   Position the hub into the newly installed bearing. Using the hydraulic press with an adapter that contacts only the bearing inner race, press the hub into the bearing until fully seated. The hub should be centered and press should stop when hub seats against inner race shoulder. Do not over-press.
   ⚠When pressing the hub into the bearing, force must only be applied to the inner race through the hub. Never press on the outer race or through the rolling elements.
10. 10

    Install hub assembly to knuckle
    Position the hub/bearing/knuckle assembly back onto the vehicle. Align the hub mounting bolt holes. Install the four hub retaining bolts and tighten in a cross pattern to specified torque. Ensure hub rotates smoothly without binding.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install and torque axle nut
    Clean axle threads thoroughly. Install the new axle hub nut and torque to specification using a torque wrench. If vehicle uses cotter pin style, install new cotter pin and bend ends properly. If vehicle uses staked nut style, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove at the indentation point.
    ⚠Axle nut must be new. Staking or cotter pin installation is critical to prevent nut loosening.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor and mounting hole with brake cleaner. Install the ABS sensor into the knuckle and torque the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place. Verify sensor wire routing matches original path and has no interference.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake components
    Reinstall the brake rotor or drum in original orientation. If disc brakes, reinstall caliper and torque mounting bolts per manufacturer specification. If drum brakes, ensure drum seats fully on hub. Pump brake pedal to restore brake pressure if caliper was removed.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install wheel onto hub and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed and secured
2. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and wire routing is correct
3. Ensure all brake components are properly reinstalled and brake pedal feels firm
4. Verify hub rotates freely without noise or resistance when wheel is spun by hand

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises from rear wheel bearing
• Check for proper ABS function - warning light should not illuminate
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or growling noises that would indicate bearing installation issue
• Verify no excessive play in hub by attempting to rock wheel with vehicle raised - there should be no perceptible movement

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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